The Role, Direction, and Future of Biomechanical Research in Strength and in Resistance Training

Abstract

There is a plethora of literature related to strength training, resistance training, weight training, weight lifting, body building, and rehabilitation. The majority of the literature is physiological in nature, involving the neural, muscular, skeletal and hormonal systems. These studies have focused on the physiological response and muscular adaptations that occur with different: (1) training programs (circuit weight training, light-heavy, pyramid, etc.); (2) exercise prescriptions (intensity, volume, variation, progression, rest intervals, specificity); (3) resistance modalities (free weights, machines, etc.); and (4) types of contractions (isometric, isokinetic, dynamic). The biomechanical literature on strength appears to be quite extensive, whereas the literature on the biomechanics of resistance training appear to be very limited. This dichotomy may be attributed to an number of reasons, including: (1) insufficient interest, expertise and/or experience in the field of biomechanics and resistance training; (2) confusion and differences in opinion as to what defines biomechanical research in resistance training; (3) the overlap of resistance training research with other disciplines; and (4) the generally a theoretical nature of biomechanics. This paper proposes to address the role of biomechanics in strength research, probable directions for future strength research; and possible biomechanical research in resistance training.